Jonathan and James continue their conversation with David Chanski about Albert Martin's profound three-volume work, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life. They discuss Volume 2, which focuses on the essential duties of preaching and teaching, including sermon preparation and delivery, and the importance of simplicity in preaching.

I don't want to show people how much I know. I just want to help them to understand what the Bible is saying. – David Chanski

The art of delivery is also addressed extensively in Martin's work, and he shares how to overcome common pitfalls in pulpit mannerisms that may be a distraction to members of the congregation. 

It's like a good friend coming alongside of you, putting his arm around your shoulder, and saying, "Hey, can I make some suggestions on how you present yourself to people in a way that would help that presentation be more effective because it's perhaps less offensive or distracting?"…I like the fact that Pastor Martin risks giving offense here to address some of those issues that often people are thinking them, they're just not saying them. – James Dolezal

From the most seasoned preacher to the new pastor just starting out, the issues discussed in this episode and addressed in Volume 2 are invaluable. 

Thanks to the generosity of Trinity Book Service, we are pleased to offer a copy of the 3-volume set, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin to our listeners! Enter here to win. 

Show Notes:

Pastoral Theology – The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin

https://www.trinitybookservice.com/pastoral-theology-the-man-of-god-three-volume-set/

Trinity Book Service is also pleased to offer our listeners a 10% discount off of Albert Martin’s 3-volume set. Just go to the Trinity Book Service website and enter the code PTAM at checkout for a 10% discount off the regular low price per volume (which results in a net price of 40% off the list price)!

Jonathan and James are excited about today’s episode, the first in a series discussing Albert Martin’s monumental three-volume work on pastoral theology, aptly titled Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life. Albert Martin was one of the founding pastors of Trinity Baptist Church in Montville, NJ, where he served for 46 years. During his time there, he taught pastoral theology at the Trinity Ministerial Academy from 1978 to 1998. Many expressed their desire to see these lectures printed, and after years of work, Trinity Pulpit Press is pleased to present the 3-volume series.

Jonathan and James are honored to be joined by David Chanski, Pastor Martin’s successor at Trinity Baptist Church and his stepson, to discuss this monumental work. Discover the significance of discerning a true call to ministry, the character, and spiritual formation necessary for a pastor, and the invaluable insights these books provide for both current and aspiring ministers. And be sure to tune in for the next two episodes of this series!

A sustained effectiveness in pastoral ministry will generally be realized in direct proportion to the health and vigor of the redeemed humanity of the man of God. – Albert Martin

Thanks to the generosity of Trinity Book Service, we are pleased to offer a copy of the 3-volume set, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin to our listeners! Enter here to win. 

Show Notes:

Pastoral Theology – The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin

https://www.trinitybookservice.com/pastoral-theology-the-man-of-god-three-volume-set/

Trinity Book Service is also graciously offering our listeners a 10% discount off of Albert Martin’s 3-volume set. Just go to the Trinity Book Service website and enter the code PTAM at checkout for a 10% discount off the regular low price per volume (which results in a net savings of 40% off the list price)!

Jonathan and James explore the vital topic of church membership with guest, Jonathan Landry Cruse, pastor and author. Together, they discuss why church membership is not only a biblical principle but also a profound blessing for believers despite its imperfections. 

The person who is hurt the most by the church is the one who loves her the best, and that's Jesus Christ. And even knowing the failures of his followers and future leaders in the church, he still says to his disciples, says to his believers, says to Christians, that church is the place to be. -- Jonathan Cruse

Based on his new book, Church Membership, Jonathan Cruse addresses common objections and highlights the importance of commitment, accountability, and spiritual growth within the church community. 

I'm not a joiner. But this is the one thing which I've always felt: I must be joined in membership to the local church. This is that one thing where membership is a must and membership matters. I think people are members of all sorts of things right now but that membership has such low-level obligations that it's just easy to transfer that mentality over into the church as well. – James Dolezal

For the opportunity to win a copy of Church Membership, thanks to the generosity of P&R Publishing, enter here. 

Show Notes:

Church Membership by Jonathan Landry Cruse

https://reformedresources.org/church-membership-hardcover/

"How can I pick the right job?" This question is of utmost concern for many young people. But according to William Boekestein, pastor of Emmanuel Fellowship Church, you don't need to choose a job that's "perfect for you." But you must be faithful and productive in ways that honor God in your work life. 

Your choices matter. You have real agency, real responsibility to choose wisely. – William Boekestein

Today, Jonathan and James sit down with Bill to discuss his insightful new book, Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling, and the everyday challenges young people face, including apathy, ambivalence, anxiety, and ambition. How can Scripture guide us in understanding God's sovereignty and our responsibility to make wise decisions about our future?

God does the calling and the appointing. He has a plan that is good for his children. – William Boekestein

This episode offers valuable advice for anyone – young and old alike – grappling with questions of vocation and purpose.

Congratulations to Kyle A. from Clarksville, IN who was selected to receive a copy of Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling," thanks to the generosity of Reformed Free Publishing!

Show Notes:

Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein

https://reformedresources.org/finding-my-vocation-a-guide-for-young-people-seeking-a-calling-paperback/

We are pleased to publish the fourth episode in our ongoing book discussion series about the classic work by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress. James, Jonathan, and Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, explore the significance of the Palace Beautiful and its representation of the church. 

We want to just keep underscoring this point, I think in this episode, is the importance of the church, the importance of Christian fellowship as we walk our pilgrimage as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. – Jonathan Master

Discover how Christian fellowship, pastoral guidance, and the journey through the Valley of Humiliation and the Shadow of Death form a cohesive unit in Bunyan's timeless work. This episode provides deep insights into the importance of the church, the role of pastors, and the transformative power of Christian conversations.

We should be encouraging each other to articulate the hope that we have – not just what we left or what we fled or how we used to be, but what we’re aiming at now, so that we can encourage each other to press on. – James Dolezal

For the opportunity to win a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth, enter here. 

Show Notes:

The Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/

Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress-paperback/

Previous episodes in The Pilgrim’s Progress book series:

Episode 1: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xagb6-15a7cd1

Episode 2: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-yd3a6-15e351c

Episode 3: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-etvjk-16d1999

Michael Wilkinson, an attorney and adjunct professor at Trinity Law School, joins Jonathan and James for an engaging discussion about his new book, Crowned with Glory and Honor: A Chalcedonian Anthropology. Michael’s primary assertion is that Jesus Christ is the definitive revelation of what it means to be human. 

Jesus is the only man who was ever purely human in the unalloyed sense of being not corrupted in his mind or his will. In that respect, if we want to look for a blueprint of what is true man and then also what true man ought to be, then he is right, we ought to be looking to Christ for that. – James Dolezal 

Michael purports that Chalcedonian Christology offers a unique perspective on human ontology, distinguishing itself from other anthropological models. This episode offers a fresh perspective on human nature, challenging contemporary models and inviting us to look to Christ for clarity.

Thanks to the generosity of Lexham Academic, we are pleased to award two copies of Crowned with Glory and Honor: A Chalcedonian Anthropology by Michael Wilkinson to our listeners. Congratulations to John R. from Winoka, MN and Kevin E. from Edison, NJ!

Jonathan and James continue their engaging conversation with Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about Volume 1 of his insightful commentary on the Book of Numbers. They kick off the discussion by exploring  the profound connections between the earthly and heavenly realms.

The wondrous reality that’s going on in those early chapters of Numbers is God is creating this earthly host, this entourage, among whom He’s going to dwell and with whom He’s going to sojourn. - Michael Morales

They then touch on James’ favorite topic of angels and cherubim, the significance of the wilderness sojourn, and the Old Testament motifs of prophet, priest, and king that culminate in the Lord Jesus Christ. Michael’s Numbers Commentary will be an excellent and relevant resource for Bible students and pastors.

Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Publishing, a division of Intervarsity Press, we are pleased to award a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to one of our listeners. Congratulations to Joshua C. from Anoka, MN!

Show Notes:

https://www.alliancenet.org/giving-tuesday

Jonathan and James sit down with their friend, Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to discuss Volume 1 of his recently released commentary on the Book of Numbers, which covers Chapters 1 through 19. Ten years in the making, this much-anticipated work sheds light on a part of the Bible often referenced yet rarely preached and explained.

Those opening chapters are not simply packing up to go on a journey, it's really what the entire meeting with God at Sinai has been about. And so you get the creation of the covenant community – the first time in history God dwelling literally in the midst of His people…that became the linchpin. Then I realized the rest of the book is analyzing this thing that we call "covenant community." – Michael Morales

Together, they discuss the concept of the covenant community, the significance of the Tabernacle, and how the structure of the camp reveals deeper theological truths about communion with God. Tune in to hear about the ongoing relevance of Numbers, its positive vision for life, and the surprising challenge it offers to contemporary Christians. 

Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Publishing, a division of Intervarsity Press, we are pleased to award a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to Rob M. from Lachute, Quebec. Congratulations! 

Show Notes:

https://www.alliancenet.org/giving-tuesday

Hosts Jonathan Master and James Dolezal welcome back J.V. Fesko, the Harriet Barber Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, to discuss his new book, The Giver of Life: The Biblical Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Salvation, in which John reflects on the person and work of the Holy Spirit and his role in salvation. With many other historic texts available which address this topic, why did John want to write about the Holy Spirit?

Every generation has to own the teaching of Scripture in order to pass it on to future generations. We can’t just assume it. We have to own it. – J.V. Fesko

Through a combination of biblical, historical, and theological study, Fesko illuminates the blessing of God’s presence with his people. This episode is a rich discussion for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in salvation.

He's back! Gary Schnittjer, honorary Theology on the Go host, sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his book, How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible: Seven Hermeneutical Choices for the Old and New Testaments, which he co-wrote with Matthew Harmon. Intended for students of both testaments, Schnittjer's latest book demonstrates how the Old Testament's use of Scripture provides resources for the New Testament authors' use of Scripture. 

"The Old Testament interpretation of itself set the course for the New Testament interpretation of the Old Testament." – Gary Schnittjer

How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible is a model for students to ground hermeneutics in biblical evidence and provide insight into understanding why the Bible's use of the Bible is essential. After this conversation, Jonathan even comes around to Gary's point of view.

"You've opened my heart to the study of hermeneutics with this book, and so I owe you a great debt of gratitude." – Jonathan Master

Thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Academic, we were pleased to award two copies of How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible by Gary Schnittjer and Matthew Harmon. Congratulations to Rhett D. from Hudson, OH and Juliet F. from Langhorne, PA!

Show Notes:

How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible: Seven Hermeneutical Choices for the Old and New Testaments by Gary Schnittjer and Matthew Harmon

https://www.amazon.com/How-Study-Bibles-Bible-Hermeneutical/dp/0310142458

Videos associated with the book: https://masterlectures.zondervanacademic.com/products/how-to-study-the-bible-s-use-of-the-bible